How to grow Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

How to Grow Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

By: ENSB

	Napa or napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage originating near the Beijing region of China and is widely used in East Asian cuisine. In other countries, it is referred to as wombok. Wombok has broad, thick, tender leaves and heavy midribs. There are several varieties of Chinese cabbage, some are loosehead and some are tight headed. Plants grow from 15 to 18 inches tall.
Scientific Name:	Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
Other Names	Napa cabbage, Wombok, Ombok, Wongbok
Climate	The optimum soil temperature for germination is 10 to 35oC and 14 to 24 oC for growth and head development.
Soil	Soil should be deep, well drained loose and friable.

Planting Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Plant preparation for Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Wombok on seedling trays. Seeds are ready for transplanting after approximately 20 days.

I. Land and Plot Preparation

The land should be clean cultivated eight weeks before planting and the ground must be plowed deeply, immediately before planting.

✓ Clear and level the plots.
✓ Make holes on plots approximately 30 - 50 cm in spacing.
✓ Mix organic fertilizer with soil.

Land Preparation for Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

II. Planting and Spacing

For wombok, planting by direct seeding is possible but transplanting is the preferred method. Since in a direct seeding, there are chances that your seed may not grow and would leave wasted spaces.
The distance (s) of each plant is at least 30-50 cm. Pland Distances / Spacing for Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Pland Distances / Spacing for Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Basic Management

✓ Check plants frequently and treat when damage is first observed.
✓There are many natural enemies that will help control these pests in fields, like spiders.
✓Overhead sprinkler irrigation.
✓ Use a trap crops such radishes or collards.
✓ Use chemical controls

VI. Diseases

Chinese cabbage is susceptible to the yellow virus, clubroot, damping–off and black rot.

Basic Management

✓ Do not use copper based sprays to control black rot since they are not effective.
✓ Observe foo water drainage on the plants.
✓ Plant density should permit adequate light and air penetration.
✓ Observe crop rotation
✓ Use varieties that are resistant or tolerant to such diseases.

VII. Harvesting

When the head is compact and firm the cabbage is ready for harvest. For transplanted plants, it usually takes at least two months before it can be harvested.

Disclaimer: The process and practices stated above were mostly based on actual farming. However, the site does not attach any liability in the event of failure.